I was so inspired by seeing the 2009 Hoffman Challenge Quilts at the Chicago Quilt Show that I decided to try designing a quilt for the 2010 Hoffman Challenge. After experimenting with traditional quilt designs using MyWebQuilter.com and testing several ideas, I decided on making a mixed method quilt of a sailboat. The Hoffman Challenge fabric - below - reminded me of water and sailing. Of course my love of sailing had just a little influence on this idea. So here is my entry to the Hoffman Challenge. I based the sailboat on a photo of my friend's sailboat taken during a sailing cruise on Green Bay, Lake Michigan last year. The boat's name is Ariel so of course that is also the name of the quilt. The water is made using Dina Pappas' Quick Fuse method. The rest of the quilt is raw edge applique. I used *tons* of Sulky thread hoping to get considered for the best use of Sulky prize. I tried to make the quilting in the sky look like the wind was gently blowing. The words across the sky are a poem that I wrote go with that theme: Ariel, Ariel whispers the wind Come, sail with me again I am blowing gently on Green Bay Come out, come out, come out and play Bring your captain, bring your crew, There is no better thing to do Than leave their toils and cares behind, What adventures can we find? Wish me luck! Happy Quilting Amber